Can Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms Be Fatal?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main ingredient in marijuana that acts like the body’s naturally produced chemical, anandamide, which regulates eating patterns, memory function and sleep patterns. THC alters these bodily functions by replacing anandamide. When someone stops using marijuana, the sudden lack of THC can cause the physical reaction known as withdrawal symptoms.

Many people think that marijuana does not produce withdrawal symptoms because it is not physically addictive. This is because, compared to other more potent drugs, marijuana’s withdrawal symptoms are very slight or hardly noticeable, if present at all. The big debate about marijuana withdrawal symptoms is not the fatality question, but the question of whether marijuana actually produces withdrawal symptoms.

Everyone reacts differently to both the use and cessation of use of marijuana. Whether you experience marijuana withdrawal symptoms or not largely depends on the potency of the marijuana and for how long you’ve been using. Often, marijuana withdrawal symptoms are experienced by heavy users who attempt to quit cold turkey.

Duration of Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms will begin 1 to 3 days after the last use. One week to 10 days after the last dose will be the peak days for the most uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms usually end after 10 to 14 days.

Common Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

Anxiety is most common withdrawal symptom and is often overlooked because it is such a subtle withdrawal symptom. Distractions can help and so can therapies in rehab. Changes in sleep patterns may also occur. Insomnia (a lack of sleep) will disappear after about a week of sobriety. Vivid dreams are also commonly reported. A change in appetite is common in marijuana users as well. Dramatic weight loss may occur after stopping marijuana use. Other withdrawal symptoms include the following problems:

Headache

Nausea

Paranoia

Irritability

Aggression

You will need help relieving these symptoms, so get help today overcoming your problems.

Easing Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

If the physical withdrawal symptoms of marijuana are too uncomfortable, there may be a replacement drug that can ease your pain. Gabapentin was originally developed to treat chronic pain and seizures, but clinical trials conducted by the Scripps Research Institute shows reduced withdrawal symptoms when given to heavy marijuana users. Larger trials are being conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institutes of Health.

The Psychological Side of Marijuana Abuse

While the physical effects of marijuana may be relatively easy to overcome, heavy marijuana users should be proactive in treating the psychological addiction. It’s much more likely for marijuana users to be psychologically rather than physically addicted. That’s why even a 30 day outpatient program could be helpful. That’s barely a month attending treatments, which is no longer than the time you already devote to obtaining and using marijuana. Your insurance may even cover the costs of rehab, so addiction treatment could actually be cheaper than continuing to use marijuana. In rehab you’ll learn how to avoid relapse triggers and live a healthy life.

Help for Marijuana Abuse

Call our toll-free helpline any time you need to speak with someone. We’re waiting 24 hours a day to answer your call for help. If you believe finances will be a problem, ask about how your insurance may cover the costs of rehab.

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